Respiratory Therapy Pathway
Respiratory Therapists assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. They assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Respiratory Therapists initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures, maintain patient records; select, assemble, check, and operate the equipment. They also may serve as asthma educators, patient educators, case managers, Hyperbaric Oxygen Specialists, Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation Specialists, and Sleep Specialists. Respiratory Therapists work in hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home care, and diagnostic labs.
Program status
We appreciate your interest in the Education Fund’s programs and services. We have received a tremendous response to our education and training programs and have reached our enrollment limit for many of our current programs. As a result, we are not accepting applications for this Education Fund program at this time.
We encourage you to create an individualized educational plan with your Career Counselor/Regional Coordinator. You can make an appointment via MyEdFund, our secure, online member portal.
The Importance of Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory Therapists are required to exercise considerable, independent clinical judgment in the care of patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. They consult with physicians and other health care professionals to help develop and modify patient care plans.
The primary duties of a Respiratory Therapist include:
- Assessing and treating patients with breathing disorders
- Supervising Respiratory Therapy Therapists
- Initiating and conducting therapeutic procedures
- Maintaining patient records
- Selecting, assembling and operating equipment
Why become a Respiratory Therapist?
- The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $62,810 in May 2020.*
- Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 23 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.*
- Respiratory Therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings including state, local and private hospitals, nursing care facilities and physician offices.*
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.